Holy Land Terracotta Two-Handled Jar

With two rows of zoomorphic figures and restrung red round beads at each end; supplied with a typed and signed scholarly note by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1970- 1993, which states, 'Cylinder Seal of White Marble, 20 x 10 mm. The surface is divided into two registers by a guilloche across the middle. In the upper register there are five animal protomes: at the rear a lion, then four different horned animals, each shown with one front paw. A complete scorpion serves as a terminal. In the lower register are also five animal protomes, but facing the opposite direction to those above. At the rear is a stag, then a lion, and in front of it three distinguished horned animals. A lizard serves as a terminal in this case. This is an Old Syrian seal, c. 2700-2400 B.C., and in fine condition. The engraving is deeply done and gives a sharp, clear impression. Other seals of this type are known, but are rare.' 4.73 grams total, seal: 20.1 mm



Acquired on the French auction market. Accompanied by a copy of an old scholarly note, typed and signed by W.G. Lambert, late Professor of Assyriology, University of Birmingham, 1992.

Bulbous body with four stub legs, tall neck and internal strainer, tall scooped edge to the rim, loop handle to the rear; body and neck painted with geometric motifs, red paint on the base and legs. 1.16 kg, 32.3 cm



UK collection, 1990s. Acquired on the UK art market, before 2000. Private collection, Mr M.V., a London-based businessman.

Artefacts from Amlash date from the late second millennium B.C. through to the Partho-Sasanian period, with most dated to the 9th and 8th centuries B.C. Zoomorphic drinking or ritual vessels are abundant in Amlash pottery and usually feature depictions of animals common to that region. Such vessels have been recovered across Mesopotamia and Anatolia, and they were known as Bibru. They were produced as ceremonial drinking vessels, dedicated to specific deities, but they might also have served as drinking vessels for the social elite and royal family members.

Carved in the round with wheel-cut geometric design to the underside; supplied with a museum-quality impression. 2.17 grams, 18 mm



From the private collection of a European gentleman (1942-2024), formed since the 1970s.